Root Canal Therapy in Colorado Springs, CO
Your One Stop Dental Private Practice in Colorado Springs, CO
Dr. Kimmelman does advanced endodontic or root canal therapy at his Downtown Colorado Springs dental office. Root canal therapy is a treatment to save and repair a damaged or badly decayed tooth instead of removing it.
The steps of a Root Canal:
- The infected pulp (containing nerves and blood vessels) is removed through a small access hole
- The inside chamber and root canals of the tooth are then cleaned, enlarged and shaped to accept the filling material
- Next, the inside chamber of the tooth and root canals are sealed with a permanent material called gutta-percha
- Finally, a post is inserted in some cases with a final restoration for structural support and sealing the access hole
Common causes for a tooth to need a root canal
- Deep tooth decay or cavities
- Dental trauma or injuries
- Fractured tooth exposing the pulp chamber
The infection associated with a tooth that needs a root canal can cause the following problems:
- The infection can destroy the bone around the tooth and can spread from w. to tooth
- Swelling that may affect other areas of the face and neck
Signs you might need a root canal:
- Severe toothache upon biting or chewing
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Swelling of the gums – possibly with a pimple like head on the swelling
- Recurring sores on the gums
If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact our office as soon as possible to make an appointment with Dr. Kimmelman to have your tooth examined.
Root canal therapy to save a tooth is the treatment of choice to preserve your natural tooth with a 95% success rate. The alternative choice would be to remove the tooth and replace it with a dental implant, bridge or removable partial to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting and restore chewing capabilities.
How to prevent needing a root canal:
- Regular check-ups to allow hidden tooth decay to be noticed before it damages the pulp of the tooth
- Wear a custom made professional night-guard to prevent fractures and injuries